Beats

'Beats' Articles

Apple this morning added a new "Skyline" collection of Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones to its online Apple Store, with a selection of new color options.
The Skyline Studio 3 Wireless Headphones come in Crystal Blue, Desert Sand, Midnight Black, and Shadow Grey. All of the colors feature gold accents with a gold beats logo and gold band.
Studio 3 Wireless Headphones feature Apple's Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling technology, designed to block external noise when listening. They are also equipped with an Apple W1 chip that's designed to make it easy to switch between devices when listening, and thanks to the efficiency of the chip, the Studio 3 Headphones last for 22 hours on one charge for all-day listening.
Like Apple's other Studio 3 Wireless Headphones, the new Skyline collection is priced at $349.95. Skyline Beats are not yet available in Apple retail stores and must be ordered online, but should be arriving in retail locations

Apple today revamped the BeatsX earphone lineup available from its online and retail stores, eliminating several colors and lowering the price.
The BeatsX Earphones are now available from Apple in black or silver, with all other colors, including space gray, gold, white, and blue, discontinued. Apple has also removed the Black/Red Defiant BeatsX collection.
Apple has also dropped the price of the BeatsX Earphones from $149.95 to $119.95, a discount of $30. Apple never offered competitive pricing on the BeatsX, which are often available at a deep discount from retailers like Best Buy.
Right now, for example, Best Buy is selling BeatsX in gray, blue, and black for $90, which is even lower than Apple's current baseline price.
While a price drop could indicate an upcoming refresh of the Beats headphone lineup, prices may have been lowered in an effort to better match the BeatsX pricing available from other big box retailers.
Apple has not tweaked the pricing of other Beats headphones options including the Powerbeats3, the Studio3 Wireless, or the Solo3 wireless.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

For the past several months, rumors have provided a glimpse of what to expect at Apple's special event on Wednesday. Now, we may know of at least one category that won't see any stage time tomorrow.
The Verge, citing a source close to the situation, reports that Apple does not plan to announce any new hardware from its Beats subsidiary at its "Gather Round" event at Steve Jobs Theater on Wednesday. The only new headphones expected are an updated pair of AirPods with "Hey Siri" support.
If the report is accurate, that means Apple fans should keep their expectations low for any new Beats headphones, or a lower-priced HomePod rumored to arrive in the form of a Siri-enabled Beats speaker.
Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion in 2014, and since then, the company has routinely refreshed the headphone lineup. However, it has yet to do so in 2018. The current lineup revolves around the Beats Solo3, Powerbeats3, and BeatsX, released in 2016 with Apple's W1 chip for easy pairing.
Beats also launched Studio3 over-ear headphones with the W1 chip in 2017, followed by urBeats 3 with a Lightning connector, but for the most part, the headphone lineup is nearly two years outdated.
With so many rumored products in Apple's pipeline through the remainder of this year, it's not much of a surprise that Beats might not see any stage time at its September event. The keynote is expected to revolve around new iPhones, Apple Watch Series 4 models, new AirPods, and AirPower charging mat availability.
It's unclear when Beats may be updated next. Apple certainly has enough on its

Beats by Dr. Dre, Apple's well-known headphones brand, today announced a marketing and merchandising partnership with the NBA, which will make it the official headphone, wireless speaker, and audio partner of the NBA, and sister associations WNBA, NBA G League, and USA Basketball as of October 2018.
Under the terms of the partnership, which will span multiple years, Beats will establish separate deals with NBA teams to launch audio products for NBA fans, including NBA team-branded headphones.
Apple is aiming to boost Beats by Dre brand recognition through the NBA deal by leveraging NBA stars that include LeBron James, Draymond Green, James Harden, Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Luke Woods, Beats by Dr. Dre president, said that the company's partnership with NBA is the "perfect alignment," an unsurprising statement given that Beats has long used major athletes to advertise its headphones, even prior to the purchase by Apple."The NBA and its players have long been significant drivers of global culture. Basketball, music, and style speak as one voice: Julius Erving became a style icon, Allen Iverson cemented hip hop's place on and off the court and LeBron James is breaking new music every day... the list goes on and on," said Luke Wood, President of Beats by Dr. Dre. "This partnership with the NBA is the perfect alignment for Beats. It feels like coming home."In addition to developing NBA-themed headphones for fans, Beats also plans to provide headphones to players and advertise during major events like the NBA All-Star, NBA Draft,

Apple's Beats Electronics division today lost a lawsuit levied against it by Steven Lamar, who had a hand in the development of the Beats brand.
According to Bloomberg, a jury today decided that Lamar is entitled to $25 million due to a disputed settlement in 2007 with Beats co-founders and Apple execs Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre.
Lamar signed over the rights to the Beats design in exchange for royalties back in 2006. He claimed that under the terms of the settlement, he was owed royalties on all Beats models, while Dre and Iovine said he was entitled to royalties only on the original Studio model released in 2008, leading to a legal dispute.
The jury awarded Lamar royalties on all models of the Studio Beats headphones, but not on other models, an amount that could add up to a total of $40 million when interest and attorney fees are taken into account.
Lamar in 2006 claims to have shown a headphone design to Iovine, who recommended Dr. Dre as an endorser, creating the partnership that led to the creation of Beats Electronics. Lamar then helped to develop the Beats brand and the concept behind the headphones until he had a falling out with Iovine and Dre in 2006.
Apple purchased the Beats brand in 2014 for $3 billion, with Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre (otherwise known as Andre Young) joining Apple at that time. Since then, Apple has continued to sell products under the Beats

Beats this week introduced a new Pop Collection of colorways for its Solo3 Wireless and Powerbeats3 Wireless headphones.
Solo3 Wireless and Powerbeats3 Wireless are available in Pop Magenta, Pop Violet, Pop Indigo, and Pop Blue options for $299.95 and $199.95 respectively in the United States, the same standard pricing of other colors.
The overall form and features of the headphones remain unchanged, so this is purely a cosmetic change for those interested.
Solo3 Wireless and Powerbeats3 Wireless in the new Pop Collection can be ordered from Apple's online store in many countries. Keep in mind that the traditional colors are currently on sale at both Apple and Amazon.
Like AirPods, the Solo3 Wireless and Powerbeats3 Wireless are equipped with Apple's W1 chip for instant pairing with an iPhone. They can then simultaneously connect to an Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.
Like the BeatsX, both headphones feature Fast Fuel. Just five minutes of charging provides up to three hours of playback for the Solo3 Wireless and up to an hour of playback for the Powerbeats3 Wireless.
Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion in

Ahead of next week's Worldwide Developers Conference, Loup Ventures analyst Gene Munster today shared his predictions for the features and services that Apple will unveil during the event.
Munster expects Apple to debut new Siri, AR, AI, and Digital Health functionality, including a Beats-branded accessory (presumably a speaker) that includes Siri integration, much like the HomePod. Some of Munster's predictions have been previously covered in rumors shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, but Siri integration in a lower-cost Beats product is a new prediction.
We expect Monday's keynote to be highlighted by extending the reach of Siri (most likely adding new domains, opening HomePod to more capabilities, and integrating Spotlight), along with additional AI tools (new Core ML extensions).
We also anticipate new features around digital health (privacy and device management) and ARKit (development tools).
Expect Siri integration with Beats.
Collectively, these announcements advance the ease of use and intelligence of Apple's mobile and desktop experiences.According to Munster, Apple may be planning introduce a $250 Beats-branded product that will offer Siri integration similar to the HomePod, allowing Apple to "advance its digital assistant ambitions" with a more affordable option. Apple currently sells a Beats Pill+ speaker for $179.95, and the device has not been updated in some time.
Apple is going to announce a new "Decade Collection" at WWDC according to a Best Buy leak, but that collection is limited to existing headphones in new colorways and does not

A special "Decade Collection" range of Beats Headphones are currently being promoted by online retail merchants ahead of scheduled availability on June 4.
A new Beats "Decade Collection" page on the Best Buy website spotted by AppleInsider provides a thorough breakdown of the Beats By Dre 10th anniversary limited edition range, which has yet to appear in Apple's online product listings. Details about the new Beats models also went live on the website of New Zealand-based retailer Smiths City.
Beats was launched so people could hear music the way the artist intended. A decade later they're still changing the game. Styled in Defiant Black-Red in tribute to their bold beginnings and music's dynamic emotion, the Beats Decade Collection celebrates their first 10 years of innovation.The collection showcases a "Defiant Black-Red" color scheme to existing products in the Beats lineup, including Studio3 Wireless, Solo3 Wireless, Powerbeats3 Wireless, BeatsX Wireless, and urBeats3. All the headphones are available to pre-order at the same price as their more typically styled equivalents.
A report last week claimed that Apple's rumored "low-priced" version of the HomePod will be placed under the Beats by Dre brand instead of the expected Apple branding - although it seems unlikely that Apple would combine the two brands into one product.
Apple is also rumored to be working on a set of high-end over-ear headphones that, like the company's HomePod and AirPods, will be Apple branded rather than Beats branded.
Update: The new Decade Collection Beats are now

Apple has discounted its BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless headphones by $30 to $60 for a limited time in the United States.
BeatsX — regular $149.95, now $119.95
Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless — regular $199.95, now $159.95
Beats Solo3 Wireless — regular $299.95, now $239.95Apple's discount on Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones also applies to the newer "Neighborhood Collection" colors.
Apple's deals match those frequently offered by authorized resellers like B&H Photo Video, which has BeatsX and Solo3 Wireless on sale for the same prices, but even lower prices can be found on Amazon for select colors.
BeatsX — regular $149.95, now $109
Powerbeats3 Wireless — regular $199.95, now $134
Solo3 Wireless — regular $299.95, now $219.99
Like AirPods, the BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless are equipped with Apple's W1 chip for instant pairing with an iPhone. They can then simultaneously connect to an Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.
All three headphones feature Fast Fuel. Five minutes of charging provides up to three hours of playback for the Solo3 Wireless, two hours of playback for the BeatsX, and an hour of playback for the Powerbeats3 Wireless.
Apple's special Beats prices are available in the United States only for a limited time.
Disclosure: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with B&H Photo Video and may get paid if you click one of the above links and make a purchase.

Apple has discounted its BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless headphones by $40 to $60 for a limited time in the United States.
BeatsX — $149.95, now $99.95
Beats Solo3 Wireless — $299.95, now $239.95
Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless — $199.95, now $159.95Apple's discount on Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones also applies to the newer "Neighborhood Collection" colors.
Apple's BeatsX deal matches some other retailers, but Amazon and Best Buy each have better deals on the Powerbeats3 Wireless and Solo3 Wireless, with the products on sale for as low as $134.99 and $199.99 respectively.
Like AirPods, the BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless are equipped with Apple's W1 chip for instant pairing with an iPhone. They can then simultaneously connect to an Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.
All three headphones feature Fast Fuel. Five minutes of charging provides up to three hours of playback for the Solo3 Wireless, two hours of playback for the BeatsX, and an hour of playback for the Powerbeats3 Wireless.
Apple's special Beats prices are available in the United States only for a limited time.
Disclaimer: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and Best Buy and may get paid if you click one of the above links and make a purchase.

Beats By Dre today unveiled an all-new black-and-yellow version of the Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones, which will be exclusive to Third Man Records. The Third Man Records Limited Edition headphones will cost $329.50 -- which is $30 more expensive than other Solo3 headphones sold by Apple -- and officially go on sale Friday, November 24.
The limited edition #ThirdManBeats #Solo3Wireless are available for presale on https://t.co/VfpppzFO7p now. pic.twitter.com/Nv9IAMB5a5— Beats By Dre (@beatsbydre) November 16, 2017
For the $30 premium on other Solo3 Headphones, customers who purchase the Third Man Records edition will get a custom carrying case, black-and-yellow 3.5mm braided cable that matches the headphones, and an exclusive flexi-disc featuring The Raconteurs' song "Level." The headphones also feature a few details related to Third Man Records, including the company's logo and stripes on the inside and outside of the headphones, respectively.
Visit the Third Man Store to pre-order the new Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

Apple today quietly introduced new urBeats3 Earphones that come equipped with a Lightning connector, allowing them to work with Apple devices that don't have a headphone jack - the new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, plus the existing iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
Apple is also offering a model that has a traditional 3.5mm plug that works with iPads and other Apple devices that continue to offer a headphone jack.
Apple says the urBeats3 wired earphones feature a "fine-tuned acoustic design" for an "exceptional listening experience." They ship with a variety of eartip options for a customized fit, and include secure-fit wingtips for a comfortable, secure fit when working out.
The urBeats3 earphones with a Lightning connector are available in Silver, Gold, and Black to match the new Gold, Silver, and Space Gray iPhone models. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus come in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray, while the iPhone X comes in Silver and Space Gray.
The urBeats3 earphones with 3.5mm jack are available in Gray, White, Blue, and Black. Both models are priced at $99.95, and will be available for purchase this fall.
In addition to new urBeats3 earphones, Apple has also introduced new colors for its wireless W1-equipped BeatsX headphones. The BeatsX headphones are available in Silver and Matte Gold to match the iPhone 8 colors.
BeatsX are priced at $149.95 and will ship out in three to five business days for orders placed

Beats today introduced new Studio3 Wireless over-ear headphones with Apple's W1 chip and Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling technology.
Beats Studio3 Wireless deliver up to 22 hours of battery life with Pure ANC on, and up to 40 hours with Pure ANC off. Fast Fuel quick charging technology via Micro-USB provides three hours of music playback with a 10-minute charge.
Here's how Beats describes Pure ANC:This groundbreaking new technology uses advanced algorithms to continuously monitor your listening environment, so that it can best block out ambient noise—not only on an airplane, but also in a noisy café or a busy office. Pure ANC also evaluates fit and adjusts for leakage caused by hair, glasses, different ear shapes and movement of your head as you go about the day. Additionally, Pure ANC simultaneously checks what you’re hearing while noise canceling is applied against the original music content to adjust and ensure optimal audio fidelity. What’s remarkable is that Pure ANC’s real-time audio calibration operates up to 50,000 times a second.Like AirPods, Apple's W1 chip enables the Studio3 Wireless to instantly pair with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other Apple device, with seamless switching between iCloud-connected devices.
Apple's W1 chip has Class 1 Bluetooth, so the Studio3 Wireless can be used with non-Apple devices as well.
Studio3 Wireless wearers can answer phone calls, control music, and activate Siri with multifunction on-ear controls, while a 3.5mm RemoteTalk cable with in-line controls is also included in the carrying case.
Beats Studio3 Wireless can

Apple is now selling a trio of Beats products in new "Neighborhood Collection" colors on its online store and retail stores around the world.
Solo3 Wireless Headphones and Powerbeats3 Wireless Headphones are now available in Asphalt Gray, Brick Red, Break Blue, and Turf Green. The Beats Pill+ Speaker comes in only Asphalt Gray and Turf Green.
• Solo3 Wireless Headphones ($299.95)
• Powerbeats3 Wireless Headphones ($199.95)
• Beats Pill+ Wireless Speaker ($179.95)
The new Neighborhood Collection products are also available at Target in the United States, and at retailer John Lewis in the UK.
Apple, Target, and John Lewis stores may still be in the process of receiving stock, so it's best to call ahead. Prices vary in other

According to a tip that we received early this morning, as well as information gathered from European product listing sites, a few new colors are being introduced to the Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphone line exclusively at Target in the United States and John Lewis in the United Kingdom: Break Blue, Asphalt Gray, Brick Red, and Turf Green.
At retailers like Apple, Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones are currently sold in eight colors online and in stores, including Black, Gloss Black, Gloss White, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Ultra Violet, and PRODUCT(RED).
Two of the new colors for Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones
The new colors come in the form of a "Neighborhood Collection," and in the United States will be placed in the menswear department of Target retail stores among various new and upcoming clothing brands, not in the electronics department. Our tipster didn't specifically reference colors other than a red option, but the accompanying picture (above) appears to confirm new colors related to blue and green versions of the headphones.
According to matching part numbers, Beats is launching the same line of new colors for Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones as a John Lewis-exclusive "Neighbourhood Collection" in Europe. More images of those colors can be found on the company's website here, providing clearer glimpses at what customers can likely expect from the new colors in the United States as well.
New Beats Solo3 Wireless colors via John Lewis
Earlier in 2017, Target revealed a major overhaul coming this October to one of its stores located near Houston, which will

Apple this week launched a new limited time discount on its Beats EP headphones, Beats Pill+ speaker, and urBeats earphones, which are all on sale for approximately $20 to $30 off.
The Beats EP On-Ear Headphones are available for $99, down from the original price of $129.95. All colors are available at the discounted price, including red, white, black, and blue. The Beats EP are Apples most affordable on-ear headphones, coming in at a lower cost than the Solo3 models.
The Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker is available for $199, down from $229.95. All colors are discounted, including white, black, and red.
Both the Beats Pill+ and the Beats EP On-Ear Headphones were discounted by a similar amount in late 2016 and early 2017, but Apple has not recently offered a sale on the urBeats. With the promotion, the earphones are priced at $79 instead of $99.95. All colors available from the Apple Store are included in the sale: silver, gold, space gray, rose gold, black, and ultra violet.
Apple's prices are a decent deal, but similar and occasionally bigger discounts can often be found from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy during routine sales.
According to the promotion details, Apple's sale will last from today until August 26, 2017 at 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific

Apple has partnered with French fashion label Balmain to create special edition versions of its Powerbeats 3 Wireless Earphones and Beats Studio Wireless Headphones. The two accessories feature a Safari color with metallic gold accents and prominent Balmain labeling.
The Beats/Balmain collection delivers premium sound and exquisite design reflective of Balmain's iconic style. The Beats Studio Wireless headphones are finished in Safari color with metallic gold accents to represent Olivier Rousteing's dreamlike vision of an urban safari. Each comes with a matching suede case adorned with a Balmain plaque and the symbolic Balmain coin zipper pull.In an interview with fashion magazine Vogue, Balmain designer and creative director Olivier Rousteing said his connection with the Beats by Dre brand began four years ago when members of the team came to a Balmain show in Paris. "What they love about Balmain is that I embrace music. We've always had an idea of making something happen together," he said.
He went on to say that his aim with the design was to bring French luxury to technology. "When it's about technology, there are challenges, so you need a lot of respect. You cannot treat headphones like a garment," he said.
Apple and Balmain are working with model Kylie Jenner to promote the partnership and the new headphone line. Kylie Jenner has shared a photo of herself wearing the headphones on Instagram, and she's featured in product videos on Apple's website.
The Balmain Beats Studio Wireless Headphones can be purchased from the Apple website for $600, while the P

Apple today launched its Back to School promotion in the United States and Canada, offering the choice of a free pair of Beats Solo3, BeatsX, or Powerbeats3 headphones to qualifying students, parents of students, and educators who purchase an eligible Mac with education pricing for a limited time.
Eligible models include any MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac Pro. As usual, the Mac mini and refurbished Macs are excluded from the deal.
The promotion also offers free BeatsX wireless headphones with the purchase of any 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro, or students can pay $50 extra for Beats Powerbeats3 or $150 extra for Solo3 wireless headphones. Apple's new 9.7-inch iPad and iPad mini 4 models do not qualify for the promotion.
In addition to Apple's online store for education, the promotion is available at Apple retail stores and Apple authorized campus stores, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Those eligible for the promotion include faculty, staff, students, and parents of students at higher education institutions, and select others:• K-12 - Any employee of a public or private K-12 institution in the Qualified Country is eligible, including homeschool teachers. In addition, school board members who are currently serving as elected or appointed members are eligible. PTA or PTO executives currently serving as elected or appointed officers are eligible.
• Higher Education - Faculty and staff of Higher Education institutions in the Qualified Country and students attending or accepted into a Higher Education institution in the United States are eligible

Beats by Dre has released a new BE HEARD ad featuring NBA all-stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and James Harden.
The 30-second spot shows each player listening to the song Seven Nation Army by American rock duo The White Stripes while warming up with Apple's popular Beats Solo3 and Powerbeats3 headphones.
It's possible the ad could be played during the remainder of the 2017 NBA Playoffs, which have now reached the Conference Finals.
James will gear up for the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics tomorrow, while Durant and Green helped the Golden State Warriors rally from a 25-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday.
Harden's Houston Rockets were eliminated by the Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals last

Apple today debuted a new promotion for some of its older Beats products, dropping prices by as much as $50 depending on the item.
The Beats Solo2 On-Ear Headphones in the Luxe line of colors are available for $149.95, a $50 discount off of the regular $199.95 price. Beats Solo2 Headphones are the previous-generation model without wireless connectivity and Apple's new W1 chip. All Luxe colors are discounted, including Red, Silver, Blue, and Black, but other Solo2 models are not available for a lower price.
Apple's lower-priced Beats EP On-Ear Headphones are available for $99.95, $30 off the regular price of $129.95. Also available in Red, Blue, White, and Black, the Beats EP are a newer budget product line that was unveiled in September.
Along with the two sets of headphones, Apple is also discounting its Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker, dropping the price from $229.95 to $199.95. The Pill+ is available in Red, Black, and White.
Apple does not say how long the discounts on its Beats products will last, so customers hoping to get a deal on a speaker or a set of headphones should purchase right away. Discounts are also available in Apple's retail

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